collectieve

Collectieve is a Dutch adjective meaning “collective” or “shared by a group.” It is used to describe phenomena, processes, or entities that involve or pertain to a group rather than individuals. The word frequently appears in formal or institutional terminology, where it signals that the subject is the product of or intended for a group.

Etymology and usage. Collectieve derives from the base adjective collectief, itself from the French collectif and ultimately from Latin collectivus. In Dutch, collectieve is the attributive form used before a noun to indicate collective nature, as in phrases that denote group-oriented concepts in legal, economic, or social contexts.

Common examples and contexts. Collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst (collective labor agreement) is a prominent legal term in labor relations. Collectieve verzekering refers to group or collective insurance. Collectieve goederen denotes public goods provided for the benefit of a community. Collectieve besluitvorming describes decision-making that involves or represents a group. In everyday speech, synonyms such as gezamenlijk or gemeenschappelijk can convey a similar idea, though collectieve often carries a formal connotation.

Noun form and related terms. The corresponding noun het collectief refers to the group as a whole or the concept of the collective. Related terms include collectivisme (collectivism) and collectiviteit (collectivity), which extend the idea beyond a single instance of a group action.

See also. Collectief, collectivisme, collectiviteit, collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst.